Somber reflections
I have been reading Facebook comments all weekend and watching CNN among other sources trying to understand the tragedy that occurred in Connecticut over the weekend. I think my biggest frustration with the coverage is the plethora of misinformation that was put out in the wake of this tragedy regarding who the perpetrator was, what his relationship was to the school, and the speculation related to why he did it. I admit I had the tv on once I heard about what had happened, but it bothered me to listen to the speculation and hype that surrounded this event. I want to hear the facts, as released by the authorities, rather than anonymous sources who seem credible. Although I feel this way about a lot of news coverage, whether it is election coverage, celebrity speculation, or high profile trials. In some regards, one can no longer trust the media for accurate reporting because of all the "expert opinions" being touted and judgments being rendered before all the facts are in.
My heart just breaks for the families affected by this tragedy. Justin, Alexis, and Kajsa are all the ages of the victims and I cannot imagine losing even one of them! We have had our share of tragedies that occurred over the holidays that have forever changed the face and tenor of those holidays for most of us. The same is true now for those families. I also think the are dialogues that need to begin, especially surrounding the issues of mental health, mental illness, and how we as a society deal with these vulnerable individuals. A very brave mother wrote a widely disseminated article about her experiences with her 13 year old son who has been violent with her and made threats of self-injury and how hard it is to get adequate services for him prior to something horrible happening, resulting in legal action. As unpopular as it may seem, I believe there is a need for long-term, non-prison related treatment facilities where individuals who need them can be treated away from prisons or places where they could either be negatively affected by or negatively effect the lives of others. Mental institutions are no more negative than nursing homes in my opinion, any more than group homes or treatment centers are. I also believe in orphanages, places where lost children can grow up cared for with a sense of connection, identity, and self-esteem. They have to be properly staffed, and have some structure to them, but be places where there is some accountability, resources, and support available to support as high a quality of life as the individual is capable of. I am one who agrees with the concept of least restrictive environments, but there are individuals who need structure and organization in order to function at their best.
I also believe we need to have open dialogues about how best we can support families in crisis, which is, in my opinion, even more important than discussions on gun control. Something is seriously broken in our society when we don't have the appropriate resources available to help individuals in need. We need to have alternatives available because one-size fits all just doesn't work!
Anyhow, that is m rant/opinion. I am praying for those families who were affected by this shooting, including the first responders and others who had to deal with the aftermath of such a terrible situation.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Saturday, December 8, 2012
It's beginning to feel more like Christmas
I have a couple of major gifts done, have the gifts for the 6 grand kids well in hand, and am now starting to think about decorating around here. The sad part is there is lots to do but I have NO energy or drive to focus on it. It's a grey and gloomy day outside and all I really want to do is sit and knit, with an afghan over me, lots of lights on, and either a good movie or my audio book on. It's a cocooning type of day and that isn't realistic for me. Instead, I have laundry in the washer, my Zune primed with a collection of short stories I want to listen to, and after blogging, I will head for the sewing room. Honestly, I am excited to work on gifts for the little girls (I am making doll clothes wardrobes for all of them--even Skye is at a stage of dressing and undressing her bitty baby "Susie". Heck, we had to buy Susie diapers last time we were at the bx (baby alive diapers--the doll that eats and poops). She is thrilled, and each diaper gets much practice with on and off before needing the new one, heeheehee.
I know what I want to do for my husband for Christmas, and we are discussing what to do for the "big kids". The girls posted lists for us, but the boys are a bit harder to decide on because they are less specific in their wants. I also know what I am doing for the nieces already, so my shopping list isn't too huge. I suggested a trip to St Charles for tomorrow to my spouse so we can browse the specials there--I prefer crafted, one of a kind gifts any day over commercial stuff for family members. I for sure am going to Minneapolis over Christmas, taking Reimond and probably Patrick with me. Aurora said she is staying home, as is Dan (because he has to work), and the jury is still out on whether or not Brie and her SO will come up with Skye. My first trip in ages that I won't be bringing Skye with me! It's gonna seem odd!
I have started Reimond's hoodie sweater, a pattern he picked out and chose the colors for. I am keeping careful track of the pattern because I am knitting size small for the circumference, but size extra large for the length! The boy is tall and skinny! This was my reward to me for finishing another project that will remain picture less for a bit until after the holidays because the recipient reads this blog :)
Reimond is back on track at school and I am very relieved. Brianne had a mini meltdown after bombing a chem lab final this past week, but she did better on another test and here chem final is next week. She is working feverishly on a final paper for her American history class, and will be done with the term next week. Aurora too is taking finals next week and one of her tasks with a friend who is also a classmate was to choreograph a dance and perform it. They have been practicing it and while I have only seen the video of it I am sure it will be fun.
Dan has a job at a local convenience store/gas station and works varying hours each week. Patrick is still in the market for a job and is feeling frustrated at times with all the time on his hands. Video games, reading, and hanging with friends can only occupy so many hours of the day. Eric has assigned the boys with chores to take care of to help fill in their free time Nd they are following thru for the most part.
Skye is doing ok. She had another upper respiratory virus last week and still has a nasty cough that wakes her at night. She is my girl when she is here, attached to me by an invisible leash most days, but the other day she was Eric's girl and it was adorable! Speaking of Eric, he did finish off and pass both of his classes and officially has his BS degree in criminal justice. Not sure when he will get the actual diploma as he didn't walk at the ceremony (he had to work, and wasn't thrilled that the graduation was being held in a high school auditorium). They have had a few things come up at work and he is picking up numerous ot shifts. This wouldn't be so bad if he wasn't on overnights right now and these shifts have all been day shifts, messing with his sleep schedule something fierce. He's working one today, then back on nights Monday night. Blech!
Ok, it's time to change the laundry over and the move to job C. And maybe light a candle (they smell so good) along with turning on more lights :). Hate grey skies with a passion!
I know what I want to do for my husband for Christmas, and we are discussing what to do for the "big kids". The girls posted lists for us, but the boys are a bit harder to decide on because they are less specific in their wants. I also know what I am doing for the nieces already, so my shopping list isn't too huge. I suggested a trip to St Charles for tomorrow to my spouse so we can browse the specials there--I prefer crafted, one of a kind gifts any day over commercial stuff for family members. I for sure am going to Minneapolis over Christmas, taking Reimond and probably Patrick with me. Aurora said she is staying home, as is Dan (because he has to work), and the jury is still out on whether or not Brie and her SO will come up with Skye. My first trip in ages that I won't be bringing Skye with me! It's gonna seem odd!
I have started Reimond's hoodie sweater, a pattern he picked out and chose the colors for. I am keeping careful track of the pattern because I am knitting size small for the circumference, but size extra large for the length! The boy is tall and skinny! This was my reward to me for finishing another project that will remain picture less for a bit until after the holidays because the recipient reads this blog :)
Reimond is back on track at school and I am very relieved. Brianne had a mini meltdown after bombing a chem lab final this past week, but she did better on another test and here chem final is next week. She is working feverishly on a final paper for her American history class, and will be done with the term next week. Aurora too is taking finals next week and one of her tasks with a friend who is also a classmate was to choreograph a dance and perform it. They have been practicing it and while I have only seen the video of it I am sure it will be fun.
Dan has a job at a local convenience store/gas station and works varying hours each week. Patrick is still in the market for a job and is feeling frustrated at times with all the time on his hands. Video games, reading, and hanging with friends can only occupy so many hours of the day. Eric has assigned the boys with chores to take care of to help fill in their free time Nd they are following thru for the most part.
Skye is doing ok. She had another upper respiratory virus last week and still has a nasty cough that wakes her at night. She is my girl when she is here, attached to me by an invisible leash most days, but the other day she was Eric's girl and it was adorable! Speaking of Eric, he did finish off and pass both of his classes and officially has his BS degree in criminal justice. Not sure when he will get the actual diploma as he didn't walk at the ceremony (he had to work, and wasn't thrilled that the graduation was being held in a high school auditorium). They have had a few things come up at work and he is picking up numerous ot shifts. This wouldn't be so bad if he wasn't on overnights right now and these shifts have all been day shifts, messing with his sleep schedule something fierce. He's working one today, then back on nights Monday night. Blech!
Ok, it's time to change the laundry over and the move to job C. And maybe light a candle (they smell so good) along with turning on more lights :). Hate grey skies with a passion!
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Trying something new!
My daughter told me about this blog she found that has challenges as themes to blog about. So far there are 55 or 56 of them, and it's a way of exploring who you are and sharing your story. I decided to give it a try, and while I may not do them in any sort of order, I figured it would be a nice change from strictly rambling about the family. It's from http://thisismechallenge.blogspot.com/2011/04/top-ten.html and the first challenge says "If you were forced to go back to the olden days what ten modern conveniences would you want to take with you?"
Lets see:
1. My e-reader because it has so many books on it that I want to read, many of which are the classics I never read in high school or college, that I had gotten free shortly after I got my Nook.
2. My cell phone, because I like the ability to talk to family at any time and any where. It's small, easily portable, and I would have a hard time living without it.
3. My Zune, because it houses all my favorite music and if I knew I would be going back in time ahead of time, I would be sure to fill it as fully as possible with all the possible music and/or audio books I might ever want to listen to, just so I wouldn't be without them! (Thanks Liisa for the 32g upgrade, even if it is older and boxier than my old one).
4. The Nintendo game boy and/or the Sony PSP, along with all the games we have for each. I love my video games, and while I wouldn't presume there would be televisions, I would hope there was at least electricity so I could keep things charged and useable.
5. The Internet/wireless connections so that I could use my phone to make calls, etc. even if no one else could access them but me. Selfish, but true (although I am thinking of it existing strictly for making phone calls. I could probably survive without the Internet, but not without a telephone).
6. My sewing machine, so I could have the ability to sew garments, quilts, and other items of necessity or beauty quickly and enjoyably. I can embroider and sew by hand, and even enjoy doing so, but the ability to do it fast is gratifying.
7. If I have my sewing machine, then for sure I would need my laptop and my thumb drive for storing and transferring designs and patterns (man I hope there is electricity! Lol).
8. My washing machine! I love hanging things to dry, so I don't need a dryer, but I hate washing lots of things by hand, unless they are hand knits or delicate (blue jeans by hand?/ shudder).
9. My bread machine because bread is a staple and I have trouble with all the kneading and mixing by hand. And that leads me to my last modern convenience:
10. My mixer, which I got for Christmas last year and adore. It makes mixing dough of any sort so easy and accomplishes it with little fuss or muss. If I had to I could probably mix and knead bread dough in it, but then again, while the bread is being made in the bread machine, the mixer is available to make other things in.
That's my first challenge response. It's actually harder than one might think. So what would YOU want to bring with if you had to go back in time?
Lets see:
1. My e-reader because it has so many books on it that I want to read, many of which are the classics I never read in high school or college, that I had gotten free shortly after I got my Nook.
2. My cell phone, because I like the ability to talk to family at any time and any where. It's small, easily portable, and I would have a hard time living without it.
3. My Zune, because it houses all my favorite music and if I knew I would be going back in time ahead of time, I would be sure to fill it as fully as possible with all the possible music and/or audio books I might ever want to listen to, just so I wouldn't be without them! (Thanks Liisa for the 32g upgrade, even if it is older and boxier than my old one).
4. The Nintendo game boy and/or the Sony PSP, along with all the games we have for each. I love my video games, and while I wouldn't presume there would be televisions, I would hope there was at least electricity so I could keep things charged and useable.
5. The Internet/wireless connections so that I could use my phone to make calls, etc. even if no one else could access them but me. Selfish, but true (although I am thinking of it existing strictly for making phone calls. I could probably survive without the Internet, but not without a telephone).
6. My sewing machine, so I could have the ability to sew garments, quilts, and other items of necessity or beauty quickly and enjoyably. I can embroider and sew by hand, and even enjoy doing so, but the ability to do it fast is gratifying.
7. If I have my sewing machine, then for sure I would need my laptop and my thumb drive for storing and transferring designs and patterns (man I hope there is electricity! Lol).
8. My washing machine! I love hanging things to dry, so I don't need a dryer, but I hate washing lots of things by hand, unless they are hand knits or delicate (blue jeans by hand?/ shudder).
9. My bread machine because bread is a staple and I have trouble with all the kneading and mixing by hand. And that leads me to my last modern convenience:
10. My mixer, which I got for Christmas last year and adore. It makes mixing dough of any sort so easy and accomplishes it with little fuss or muss. If I had to I could probably mix and knead bread dough in it, but then again, while the bread is being made in the bread machine, the mixer is available to make other things in.
That's my first challenge response. It's actually harder than one might think. So what would YOU want to bring with if you had to go back in time?
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
After Thanksgiving already!
It's hard to believe this month has passed so quickly. For the most part things are still fairly status quo from my post earlier in the month, except that it has gotten colder, Eric is just about done with his final term, has rotated back on to overnights, and had his last vacation of 2012 this past week. Skye has a nasty bug again and is coughing, hacking, and congested like nobody's business. Poor baby is miserable! And I am plugging away at my project list and starting to figure out Christmas gift stuff.
I finished the quilt top of my Baltimore album quilt, started back in 1993. I had some issues with the borders, but found the original left over fabric from the background and decided to just piece in a square rather than go with my original concept of having mite red borders. It looks good, and I will use that space to do some fancy hand quilting. After the new year I will get the batt and backing fabric for it so it and be quilted (by me, by hand),hopefully finishing it in 2013, making it a 20 year project.
Liisa sent me her 32g Zune to replace my 8g one as it was having issues. It is amazing how much space I now have on it, and I don't know that I will ever fully fill it. I don't like that it's heavier and larger than my old, slim one (about the size if my cell phone) because I am forever knocking it off my sewing table and disconnecting the headphones (my old one would just dangle until I could grab it), but it works beautifully, is less touchy to being bumped, and I can put more books and music on it so the risks of boredom are small. There will always be something fun I can listen to!
Zack found a new job, working at a Mexican restaurant (sorta like a chipotle) and we are thankful. Liisa has been put up for a "Diamond Award" by her hotel and she is very excited about this honor. she will be interviewed by members of the Bloomington city council, along with all the other nominees, and the winner will be announced at a gala in February. She is also a strong candidate for associate of the year, which will be determined sometime in the next couple of months. She is not only realizing again how much she loves the hotel industry; she also recognizes the skills, talents, and knowledge she brings to her job and is again ready to be in a management position where she can implement these things. My hope is her bosses see this too and help her to move up the ranks.
Dan too now has a job, part time, at a local convenience store. He's only worked a couple of shifts, but it is a job. Patrick is still looking for something, and we are really encouraging him to consider school for spring semester. Aurora continues to be busy with school and bowling. In some regards I envy her traveling with the team and going places.it's such a wonderful experience. Brie is in the process of figuring out her final semester as well (she will have her AA degree) and where she will go from there. Some of my future plans remain dependent on what she needs help and support with, so it will be good when things are figured out.
Reimond continues to plug away with his senior year. We are all focused on seeing him graduate, but there continue to be trials that need to be dealt with related to his various struggles. We are working together with the school to be sure he has what he needs for support, but it's a frustrating process at times. Tony too is dealing with some frustration related to his knee and his surgery. The government hasn't paid for some of his bills and he can't get the physical therapy he needs until that happens. Bureaucracy is a wonder thing... He is working because he has to--bills need paying and family needs supporting, but he continues to be in pain and have range of motion issues. Andrea and the kids are good, and the kids really like school, although Justin was sent to the principal's office a couple of weeks ago for "drawing a butt" (he drew a stick figure with two round butt cheeks). He was told that was not appropriate subject matter for drawing at school, and was shaken up by the incident, but as Andrea said, how can you discipline a child sincerely when you can't stop giggling over the issue? He didn't mean anything bad by it, and I laughed too as she told me about it.
My mom is doing well, although she is grieving over the passing of her dear friend Helen, who died last week at the age of 99, just a few months shy of her 100th birthday. Mom is taking it in stride and says the sadness is for herself, and not Helen. For 18 years my mom visited her at least once and usually twice a week (on Saturdays to play bingo, and on Sundays after church--she drove Helen to church until she was too frail to attend any more) so now mom is wondering what she will do instead. I'm sure she'll find something as she cannot just sit. Hard to believe she is going to be 75 in December. And if dad were still here he'd be 83! I wonder sometimes what he'd have been like as an old man. He sure would be proud of the family and all the kids!
Anyhow, that is the news from around here. My coffee cup is empty and I need to get going on some more projects.
I finished the quilt top of my Baltimore album quilt, started back in 1993. I had some issues with the borders, but found the original left over fabric from the background and decided to just piece in a square rather than go with my original concept of having mite red borders. It looks good, and I will use that space to do some fancy hand quilting. After the new year I will get the batt and backing fabric for it so it and be quilted (by me, by hand),hopefully finishing it in 2013, making it a 20 year project.
Liisa sent me her 32g Zune to replace my 8g one as it was having issues. It is amazing how much space I now have on it, and I don't know that I will ever fully fill it. I don't like that it's heavier and larger than my old, slim one (about the size if my cell phone) because I am forever knocking it off my sewing table and disconnecting the headphones (my old one would just dangle until I could grab it), but it works beautifully, is less touchy to being bumped, and I can put more books and music on it so the risks of boredom are small. There will always be something fun I can listen to!
Zack found a new job, working at a Mexican restaurant (sorta like a chipotle) and we are thankful. Liisa has been put up for a "Diamond Award" by her hotel and she is very excited about this honor. she will be interviewed by members of the Bloomington city council, along with all the other nominees, and the winner will be announced at a gala in February. She is also a strong candidate for associate of the year, which will be determined sometime in the next couple of months. She is not only realizing again how much she loves the hotel industry; she also recognizes the skills, talents, and knowledge she brings to her job and is again ready to be in a management position where she can implement these things. My hope is her bosses see this too and help her to move up the ranks.
Dan too now has a job, part time, at a local convenience store. He's only worked a couple of shifts, but it is a job. Patrick is still looking for something, and we are really encouraging him to consider school for spring semester. Aurora continues to be busy with school and bowling. In some regards I envy her traveling with the team and going places.it's such a wonderful experience. Brie is in the process of figuring out her final semester as well (she will have her AA degree) and where she will go from there. Some of my future plans remain dependent on what she needs help and support with, so it will be good when things are figured out.
Reimond continues to plug away with his senior year. We are all focused on seeing him graduate, but there continue to be trials that need to be dealt with related to his various struggles. We are working together with the school to be sure he has what he needs for support, but it's a frustrating process at times. Tony too is dealing with some frustration related to his knee and his surgery. The government hasn't paid for some of his bills and he can't get the physical therapy he needs until that happens. Bureaucracy is a wonder thing... He is working because he has to--bills need paying and family needs supporting, but he continues to be in pain and have range of motion issues. Andrea and the kids are good, and the kids really like school, although Justin was sent to the principal's office a couple of weeks ago for "drawing a butt" (he drew a stick figure with two round butt cheeks). He was told that was not appropriate subject matter for drawing at school, and was shaken up by the incident, but as Andrea said, how can you discipline a child sincerely when you can't stop giggling over the issue? He didn't mean anything bad by it, and I laughed too as she told me about it.
My mom is doing well, although she is grieving over the passing of her dear friend Helen, who died last week at the age of 99, just a few months shy of her 100th birthday. Mom is taking it in stride and says the sadness is for herself, and not Helen. For 18 years my mom visited her at least once and usually twice a week (on Saturdays to play bingo, and on Sundays after church--she drove Helen to church until she was too frail to attend any more) so now mom is wondering what she will do instead. I'm sure she'll find something as she cannot just sit. Hard to believe she is going to be 75 in December. And if dad were still here he'd be 83! I wonder sometimes what he'd have been like as an old man. He sure would be proud of the family and all the kids!
Anyhow, that is the news from around here. My coffee cup is empty and I need to get going on some more projects.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Thoughts on this first week of November
Aurora's birthday was yesterday: her last one as a teenager. We went out to Olive Garden for dinner last night as a family and it was one of the nicest family dinners we have had in a long while: no drama, no strife, no tension; just laughter, enjoyment of being together, and a really nice meal. It was wonderful!
The election is over and now it's time to sift through the results, determine what needs to be done, and buckle down. Needless to say our household wasn't happy with the result, and I feel strongly a number of things need to be changed in how we do our democratic system (I think we need to return to the popular vote and get rid of the electoral process; it's outmoded and outdated); I also believe we need to get rid of "projected results" and reporting on winners of states based on small percentages of returns as polls close. I would like to see a moratorium on results until after all the polls have closed in all states, and the majority of votes have been counted before winners/losers and results are broadcast because it is so frustrating to watch political dissections taking place before all votes have been counted, and this focus on "key states" makes it feel like who cares what the "other voters think"--if you carry states x, y, and z, then you can't lose! Perhaps the winner should be determined by how many states he or she carries (again, popular vote in each state) versus "electoral votes". I am so frustrated with our current system, and have been for years! (My blog, my opinion, take it or leave it, but let's not fight). Aurora, Rei, Dan, and Patrick all voted in their first presidential election this year and I am proud of them for contributing to the process, flawed as it is.
We have had a nasty flu bug floating around our house this past month or better. Brie came down with it first, then a week later Skye had it; I came down with it as she was mending, followed by Dan (who probably came down with it shortly after me), then Eric, about 7 days after me. Seems like there is a long incubation period before symptoms manifest, but as Eric starts to feel better no one else seems to be getting sick (thank God!). It starts as a lingering, annoying sore throat, moves into a cough and chest congestion/headache, followed by head congestion, and can include lower intestinal issues/stomach cramps as well, along with chills, body aches, and a general sense of having been hit by a truck. I still have lingering cough/sinus symptoms that won't go away but otherwise I am feeling better, and Eric ended up taking Sunday off sick after plugging through working Thursday thru Saturday (he had 3 overtime shifts in that two week period!)
The teen population continues life status quo: school, and/or job hunting. It's getting a bit frustrating that the boys haven't found jobs, especially with the holiday/seasonal employment season heating up, and at least Dan and Patrick having no restrictions on availability (Aurora and Rei have school and other commitments to work around). Brie is planning out her last semester at SWIC for her AA degree, and her schedule will somewhat dictate what my availabilities are (based on Skye). We (and they) are settling into a routine of sorts that fluctuates from week to week, sometimes day to day. It's working though.
Prayers are needed for Liisa and Zack, especially heading into the holiday season. Zack was fired for being late to work yesterday because he was voting. He had asked his boss if he could go to vote after the noon rush was done (was scheduled open to close) and was told the polls open at 7 and to go before work, so he did, but had to wait in line for his turn, thus making him late for work. An hour after he got there he was told he was fired. They are now back-pedaling on the reason for the termination (because it is illegal to fire someone for voting), but the crux of the matter is that there have been no complaints of unsatisfactory job performance, no warnings, write-ups of other complaints, and (at least at the wedding, which his company catered) it seemed he was doing amazing there and they loved him! Regardless, bills need to be paid, children need to be supported, and they need two jobs.
Prayers are also needed for a dear friend of mine who continues to face an uncertain future due to unemployment, the lack of a safe residence come the end of the month, and health issues. Life has been extremely hard for her these last 4 years, and for whatever their reasons are, her family appears to have abandoned her to the whims of fate rather than standing with her in her time of need. I don't understand it, because it isn't how I was raised, but my heart hurts for her and I pray things turn around for her.
Today is another of those grey, gloomy days that make me want to turn on lots of lights, burn a candle or two, and make things feel bright and homey inside. We gave in and turned on the heat (to 68 degrees) because with so many of us being sick the house was taking on a decided chill when things dropped to the upper 30's outside. I think I am gonna stay away from the television or radio today and just listen to my audiobooks and music on my Zune, and maybe look at the election results/numbers online later on. I think I just need a day of prayerful reflection, of counting my blessings, and focusing on the things I can take care of for today.
The election is over and now it's time to sift through the results, determine what needs to be done, and buckle down. Needless to say our household wasn't happy with the result, and I feel strongly a number of things need to be changed in how we do our democratic system (I think we need to return to the popular vote and get rid of the electoral process; it's outmoded and outdated); I also believe we need to get rid of "projected results" and reporting on winners of states based on small percentages of returns as polls close. I would like to see a moratorium on results until after all the polls have closed in all states, and the majority of votes have been counted before winners/losers and results are broadcast because it is so frustrating to watch political dissections taking place before all votes have been counted, and this focus on "key states" makes it feel like who cares what the "other voters think"--if you carry states x, y, and z, then you can't lose! Perhaps the winner should be determined by how many states he or she carries (again, popular vote in each state) versus "electoral votes". I am so frustrated with our current system, and have been for years! (My blog, my opinion, take it or leave it, but let's not fight). Aurora, Rei, Dan, and Patrick all voted in their first presidential election this year and I am proud of them for contributing to the process, flawed as it is.
We have had a nasty flu bug floating around our house this past month or better. Brie came down with it first, then a week later Skye had it; I came down with it as she was mending, followed by Dan (who probably came down with it shortly after me), then Eric, about 7 days after me. Seems like there is a long incubation period before symptoms manifest, but as Eric starts to feel better no one else seems to be getting sick (thank God!). It starts as a lingering, annoying sore throat, moves into a cough and chest congestion/headache, followed by head congestion, and can include lower intestinal issues/stomach cramps as well, along with chills, body aches, and a general sense of having been hit by a truck. I still have lingering cough/sinus symptoms that won't go away but otherwise I am feeling better, and Eric ended up taking Sunday off sick after plugging through working Thursday thru Saturday (he had 3 overtime shifts in that two week period!)
The teen population continues life status quo: school, and/or job hunting. It's getting a bit frustrating that the boys haven't found jobs, especially with the holiday/seasonal employment season heating up, and at least Dan and Patrick having no restrictions on availability (Aurora and Rei have school and other commitments to work around). Brie is planning out her last semester at SWIC for her AA degree, and her schedule will somewhat dictate what my availabilities are (based on Skye). We (and they) are settling into a routine of sorts that fluctuates from week to week, sometimes day to day. It's working though.
Prayers are needed for Liisa and Zack, especially heading into the holiday season. Zack was fired for being late to work yesterday because he was voting. He had asked his boss if he could go to vote after the noon rush was done (was scheduled open to close) and was told the polls open at 7 and to go before work, so he did, but had to wait in line for his turn, thus making him late for work. An hour after he got there he was told he was fired. They are now back-pedaling on the reason for the termination (because it is illegal to fire someone for voting), but the crux of the matter is that there have been no complaints of unsatisfactory job performance, no warnings, write-ups of other complaints, and (at least at the wedding, which his company catered) it seemed he was doing amazing there and they loved him! Regardless, bills need to be paid, children need to be supported, and they need two jobs.
Prayers are also needed for a dear friend of mine who continues to face an uncertain future due to unemployment, the lack of a safe residence come the end of the month, and health issues. Life has been extremely hard for her these last 4 years, and for whatever their reasons are, her family appears to have abandoned her to the whims of fate rather than standing with her in her time of need. I don't understand it, because it isn't how I was raised, but my heart hurts for her and I pray things turn around for her.
Today is another of those grey, gloomy days that make me want to turn on lots of lights, burn a candle or two, and make things feel bright and homey inside. We gave in and turned on the heat (to 68 degrees) because with so many of us being sick the house was taking on a decided chill when things dropped to the upper 30's outside. I think I am gonna stay away from the television or radio today and just listen to my audiobooks and music on my Zune, and maybe look at the election results/numbers online later on. I think I just need a day of prayerful reflection, of counting my blessings, and focusing on the things I can take care of for today.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
This is most certainly true...
I was born and raised a Missouri Synod Lutheran, and while I rail at times against some of their more closed-minded attitudes, there is much about this system I celebrate because it is such a part of the fiber of who I am. I got this as an email today from my mom, and while it is gently poking fun at Minnesota Lutherans, it also makes me smile because it is a reflection of my growing up in the church. Enjoy!
This is most certainly true. Do you Lutherans remember this sentence?
> From Garrison Keillor:
> I have made fun of Lutherans for years - who wouldn't if you lived in Minnesota? But I have also sung with Lutherans and that is one of the main joys of life, along with hot baths and fresh sweet corn.
> We make fun of Lutherans for their blandness, their excessive calm, their fear of giving offense, their lack of speed and also for their secret fondness for macaroni and cheese. But nobody sings like they do. If you ask an audience in New York City, a relatively Lutheran less place, to sing along on the chorus of 'Michael Row the Boat Ashore,' they will look daggers at you as if you had asked them to strip to their under-wear. But if you do this among Lutherans they'll smile and row that boat ashore and up on the beach! And down the road!
> Lutherans are bred from childhood to sing in four-part harmony. It's a talent that comes from sitting on the lap of someone singing alto or tenor or bass and hearing the harmonic intervals by putting your little head against that person's rib cage. It's natural for Lutherans to sing in harmony. We're too modest to be soloists, too worldly to sing in unison. When you're singing in the key of C and you slide into the A7th and D7th chords, all two hundred of you, it's an emotionally fulfilling moment.
> I once sang the bass line of Children of the Heavenly Father in a room with about three thousand Lutherans in it; and when we finished, we all had tears in our eyes, partly from the promise that God will not forsake us, partly from the proximity of all those lovely voices. By our joining in harmony, we somehow promise that we will not forsake each other.
> I do believe this: These Lutherans are the sort of people you could call up when you're in deep distress. If you're dying, they'll comfort you. If you're lonely, they'll talk to you. And if you're hungry, they'll give you tuna salad!
> The following list was compiled by a 20th century Lutheran who, observing other Lutherans, wrote down exactly what he saw or heard:
> 1. Lutherans believe in prayer, but would practically die if asked to pray out loud.
> 2. Lutherans like to sing, except when confronted with a new hymn or a hymn with more than four stanzas.
> 3. Lutherans believe their pastors will visit them in the hospital, even if they don't notify them that they are there.
> 4. Lutherans usually follow the official liturgy and will feel it is their way of suffering for their sins.
> 5. Lutherans believe in miracles and even expect miracles, especially during their stewardship visitation programs or when passing the plate.
> 6. Lutherans feel that applauding for their children's choirs would make the kids too proud and conceited.
> 7. Lutherans think that the Bible forbids them from crossing the aisle while passing the peace.
> 8. Lutherans drink coffee as if it were the Third Sacrament.
> 9. Some Lutherans believe that an ELCS bride and an LCMS groom make for a mixed marriage. (For those of you who are not Lutherans, ELCS is Evangelical Lutheran Church Synod and LCMS is Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. When and where I grew up in Minnesota, intermarriage between the two was about as popular as Lutherans and Catholics marrying.)
> 10. Lutherans feel guilty for not staying to clean up after their own wedding reception in the Fellowship Hall.
> 11. Lutherans are willing to pay up to one dollar for a meal at church.
> 12. Lutherans think that Garrison Keillor stories are totally factual.
> 13. Lutherans still serve Jell-O in the proper liturgical color of the season and think that peas in a tuna noodle casserole add too much color.
> 14. Lutherans believe that it is OK to poke fun at themselves and never take themselves too seriously.
> And finally, you know you're a Lutheran when:
> *It's 100 degrees, with 90% humidity, and you still have coffee after the service;
> *You hear something really funny during the sermon and smile as loudly as you can;
> *Donuts are a line item in the church budget, just like coffee;
> *The communion cabinet is open to all, but the coffee cabinet is locked up tight;
> *When you watch a 'Star Wars' movie and they say,'May the Force be with you,' you respond, 'and also with you'.
This is most certainly true. Do you Lutherans remember this sentence?
> From Garrison Keillor:
> I have made fun of Lutherans for years - who wouldn't if you lived in Minnesota? But I have also sung with Lutherans and that is one of the main joys of life, along with hot baths and fresh sweet corn.
> We make fun of Lutherans for their blandness, their excessive calm, their fear of giving offense, their lack of speed and also for their secret fondness for macaroni and cheese. But nobody sings like they do. If you ask an audience in New York City, a relatively Lutheran less place, to sing along on the chorus of 'Michael Row the Boat Ashore,' they will look daggers at you as if you had asked them to strip to their under-wear. But if you do this among Lutherans they'll smile and row that boat ashore and up on the beach! And down the road!
> Lutherans are bred from childhood to sing in four-part harmony. It's a talent that comes from sitting on the lap of someone singing alto or tenor or bass and hearing the harmonic intervals by putting your little head against that person's rib cage. It's natural for Lutherans to sing in harmony. We're too modest to be soloists, too worldly to sing in unison. When you're singing in the key of C and you slide into the A7th and D7th chords, all two hundred of you, it's an emotionally fulfilling moment.
> I once sang the bass line of Children of the Heavenly Father in a room with about three thousand Lutherans in it; and when we finished, we all had tears in our eyes, partly from the promise that God will not forsake us, partly from the proximity of all those lovely voices. By our joining in harmony, we somehow promise that we will not forsake each other.
> I do believe this: These Lutherans are the sort of people you could call up when you're in deep distress. If you're dying, they'll comfort you. If you're lonely, they'll talk to you. And if you're hungry, they'll give you tuna salad!
> The following list was compiled by a 20th century Lutheran who, observing other Lutherans, wrote down exactly what he saw or heard:
> 1. Lutherans believe in prayer, but would practically die if asked to pray out loud.
> 2. Lutherans like to sing, except when confronted with a new hymn or a hymn with more than four stanzas.
> 3. Lutherans believe their pastors will visit them in the hospital, even if they don't notify them that they are there.
> 4. Lutherans usually follow the official liturgy and will feel it is their way of suffering for their sins.
> 5. Lutherans believe in miracles and even expect miracles, especially during their stewardship visitation programs or when passing the plate.
> 6. Lutherans feel that applauding for their children's choirs would make the kids too proud and conceited.
> 7. Lutherans think that the Bible forbids them from crossing the aisle while passing the peace.
> 8. Lutherans drink coffee as if it were the Third Sacrament.
> 9. Some Lutherans believe that an ELCS bride and an LCMS groom make for a mixed marriage. (For those of you who are not Lutherans, ELCS is Evangelical Lutheran Church Synod and LCMS is Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. When and where I grew up in Minnesota, intermarriage between the two was about as popular as Lutherans and Catholics marrying.)
> 10. Lutherans feel guilty for not staying to clean up after their own wedding reception in the Fellowship Hall.
> 11. Lutherans are willing to pay up to one dollar for a meal at church.
> 12. Lutherans think that Garrison Keillor stories are totally factual.
> 13. Lutherans still serve Jell-O in the proper liturgical color of the season and think that peas in a tuna noodle casserole add too much color.
> 14. Lutherans believe that it is OK to poke fun at themselves and never take themselves too seriously.
> And finally, you know you're a Lutheran when:
> *It's 100 degrees, with 90% humidity, and you still have coffee after the service;
> *You hear something really funny during the sermon and smile as loudly as you can;
> *Donuts are a line item in the church budget, just like coffee;
> *The communion cabinet is open to all, but the coffee cabinet is locked up tight;
> *When you watch a 'Star Wars' movie and they say,'May the Force be with you,' you respond, 'and also with you'.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Feeling sorry for myself.
Last Sunday when Brie and co. came down from Springfield, Skye was running a fever and feeling really punk. It resolved into a terrible cold (along with a rash the first couple of days--my guess is fifth's disease, a common childhood ailment that looks like "slapped cheeks" and a fine rash on the trunk/torso). Brie had her in to the clinic and she was given supportive treatments: mucinex for the cough, advil for the fever and aches, tlc... Anyway, as the week wore on little miss sidekick generously coughed, sneezed, and shared everything in her small life with me, and as a result by the end of the week I had a sore throat starting, followed by a cough from hell that showed up in the wee hours of Saturday morning. Over the course of last night, things have started migrating up to my sinuses, and I feel worse today than I did even yesterday (and yesterday was NO picinic). I am not necessarily looking forward to another day in bed (although I did bathe, then play some EQ last night with Eric), but being upright isn't feeling so great right now either. Still, Eric has an ot shift today, the boys are either gone or sleeping, Aurora is still out of state (bowling tournament), and Brie and Skye won't be back until later this afternoon (her guy is gone most of the week again for work, so she and the baby will hang with us), so I might as well just vegetate, read, knit, and/or watch the rest of Lost's episodes (I am halfway through season 5). Seriously: what fun is a sick day if one is too sick to enjoy it????
Otherwise, things around here are pretty much status quo. Nothing major going on, no significant changes to discuss. Just plugging away at life, school, work (or job-seeking as the case may be) and other than the colds, everyone is healthy. Now I think I need to find some more hot something (tea or coffee), and lay back down. This lump of lead I call a head is throbbing!
Otherwise, things around here are pretty much status quo. Nothing major going on, no significant changes to discuss. Just plugging away at life, school, work (or job-seeking as the case may be) and other than the colds, everyone is healthy. Now I think I need to find some more hot something (tea or coffee), and lay back down. This lump of lead I call a head is throbbing!
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